Episode 32
Do you know why I have summoned you here?
Please forgive me, but I do not.
Is that so?
I heard that the prince went out of the palace and drank wine.
I also heard that you were there with him. Is that true?
Why do you remain silent? I asked you if that was true?
Yes... yes, Your Highness.
- But Your Highness... - But it was not only that.
You entered the palace several times to meet the prince.
And you managed to get him to make you into a Royal Artist.
Is that true as well?
- Your Highness...! - Impertinent and disgraceful girl!
How dare you disdain the royal family in this way?
Mother, I think there is a misunderstanding. I told you before that...
- Do not interrupt me, Princess! - But Mother!
- This girl is the prince's childhood friend. She... - Friend?
Did you just say friend?
How could a lowly friend be the friend of the prince?
You are at fault too, Princess! The prince has been cavorting with a lowly Damo!
How could you not know that this lowers the prince's prestige?
How could you keep this from me?
Mother...
You deserve to be kicked out of the Bureau and given strokes of the cane!
But I will not do so because of the prince and the princess.
Do not ever appear before the prince again!
If I hear such outrageous things again, I will not let you go unpunished! Do you hear me?
Why are you silent?
Yes, Your Highness.
You!
- Are you leaving now? - Yes, My Lady.
You know how strict the Women's Court is, right?
If you don't want to be whipped to death, you better listen to Her Highness!
Be on your way then!
She deserves it!
- Mother, this is all a misunderstanding...! - A misunderstanding?
Is it also a misunderstanding that she was seen entering Princess Hwa Wan's chambers?
Is it a misunderstanding that the princess is her support and backing?
How did you...?
I have my eyes and ears too. What can be kept secret from me?
What an outrageous and impertinent girl! But I am more angry at you, Princess.
How could you allow girls like that to be around the prince?
In any case, do not interfere with this.
I have already made up my mind. I will take care of her.
Take care of her? What do you mean by that, Mother?
Impertinent and disgraceful girl!
How dare you disdain the royal family in this way?
The prince has been cavorting with a lowly Damo!
How could you not know that this lowers the prince's prestige?
Do not ever appear before the prince again!
If I hear such outrageous things again, I will not let you go unpunished! Do you hear me?
What do you think will happen?
What is the progress, Minister?
Like I told you, I do not have a lot of time to wait.
What did he mean by that?
Nothing.
I already know many things.
And you also know that if I put my mind to it, I can find out a lot more.
But I want to offer you an opportunity.
End the corruption voluntarily before I become king.
If you want to survive all of this, you must consider your next steps carefully.
My mind is extremely preoccupied.
I will not wait your answer for too long.
Give that to me.
Your strength is outstanding!
I have no problems with that! It's our prince that's feeling a bit weak.
But don't you think he looks better than before?
But I'm still nervous. You didn't see him before.
When the prince was drunk a few nights ago, I was so frustrated!
He was acting like a little boy!
Your Highness!
Your Highness?
- Your Highness! - I've been discovered.
I was hoping to hear what Dae Su was grumbling about.
Your Highness! I wasn't grumbling...!
Please forgive him, Your Highness. Men even criticize the king when he is not there.
- Sir! - Well, I deserve criticism anyway.
Criticism? How could I dare to...?
Let's go. Words won't ease your troubles.
- I'll give you a chance to beat me up. - What?
It appears that our prince has returned.
Yes, you're right. How fortunate we are.
- So who's here? - I don't know.
It's freezing.
- Mae Hyang? - Yes, Sir.
We have a very important guest today, so don't let anyone come into our room.
- Yes, Sir. - Who is in there anyway?
Don't ask questions! Curiosity killed the cat!
So this is the Gisaeng House you all enjoy coming to.
Next time, don't just come here by yourselves. Include me too!
Please accept my drink, Your Highness.
I will just have one drink today. We have no time for drunkenness today.
Your Highness!
There are many things that you will have to do for me.
I will do anything you ask. I am committed to serving you!
The Royal Guards are also committed to guarding you with our own lives.
Thank you. Now let's drink!
What? Two hundred yang?
Where am I going to get that kind of money?
I know it's a lot, but try to get it.
I'll make sure your life changes forever.
But if something bad happens, we'll be ruined!
Let's just be thrifty and live with what we have.
Do I look like I'm thrifty?
- Just forget about it! - No, no.
I'll look into it.
- Dal Ho, how are your preparations? - Things are going smoothly.
- What about you, Sir? - Money is easy to obtain.
But I'm not sure if I will be selected to go to Ching with the special envoy.
How can you say something like that now?
In that case, can you ask Dae Su for a favor?
- Ask Dae Su for a favor? - Dae Su is the prince's Royal Guard!
He can use his relationship with the prince to include me in the special envoy!
He is on his way to big things, but I'm not sure if he'll accept such a request.
That boy is quite conservative.
Perhaps Sir Hong Gook Young might be able to help.
Sir Excrement?
Why do you want to see Chief Inspector Hong?
It's not your business. Just go and get him for us.
What is it?
I said none of your business!
Dae Su, it's nothing bad, so please let us meet him.
Dae Su!
You want to go with the special envoy?
What is this? Is this why you wanted to meet him?
- Please forgive him, Sir! - It's alright.
It won't be too much trouble to make inquiries.
- Are you really going to do that? - You have helped the prince in many ways.
To tell the truth, you saved the prince's life.
It wasn't a big deal, but thank you for putting it that way.
I will let you know, so go back and wait.
- Thank you, Sir! - Thank you, Sir!
Does this mean we're going to Ching, Dal Ho?
Fantastic!
Sir, have you already selected the Royal Artists and the Attendant Damos to accompany the special envoy?
- Yes, I have. - Who are they?
Artists Tak and Yi will be going, and the Attendant Damos will be Chobi and Song Yeon.
There were some instructions given from the top, so I made my decision quickly.
Instructions? Someone gave you orders?
I never realized how much support our artists and Damos had from the superiors.
Artist Tak had the Second Minister of Rites, and Artist Yi had the Chief Inspector.
Chobi had the Chief Madam from the Royal Kitchens,
and Song Yeon had the prince's grandfather, Minister Hong Bong Han.
Minister Hong Bong Han?
- Did you do what I asked? - Yes, Your Highness.
But why are you so interested in an Attendant Damo at the Bureau of Paintings?
It's nothing important.
If you give me the orders, I will take care of the girl as you want.
So when are you leaving with the special envoy?
We will leave in two days.
It was a good decision for you to go with the special envoy as the leader.
Everyone else is struggling under the prince's scrutiny.
While I am at Ching, I will devise a plan to get rid of the prince.
Yes. I will wait for your return.
Has the queen made any moves?
I have heard that she has recluse herself in her chambers.
What else can she do?
His Majesty has even cancelled her birthday celebrations.
It is over for the queen.
Your Majesty, it is Attendant Kam.
Your Majesty, have you heard the news?
His Majesty has cancelled all of the celebrations for your birthday,
and has forbidden the ministers from paying their respects to you.
- Your Majesty! - Don't make such a fuss.
How dare you raise your voice?
Secretary Jung has volunteered to go as Special Envoy to Ching?
Yes, Your Majesty.
He is running away.
What a coward.
Stop making a fuss about silly things, go and do what I ordered you.
If they think I am powerless because I have been restricted to my chambers, they are wrong.
When Secretary Jung returns, I will give him a great gift.
If they know what I have in my possession, they, including the prince, will all be very surprised.
Her Highness is waiting for you. Let us go in.
Yes, My Lady.
Sit down.
The weather is cold. Have some tea to warm yourself.
Yes, Your Highness.
I did not know the situation before, and spoke harsh words to you.
The princess told me how you and your friend were of great help to the prince when he was young.
She told me that you comfort the prince in times of trouble, and I should be grateful to you.
You are too gracious, Your Highness.
But even so, I have not changed my mind regarding your proximity to the prince.
I feel that because the prince feels close to you, you must distance yourself from him even more.
Your Highness!
There is a procession tomorrow of the Special Envoy that is going to Ching China.
I have ordered you to be included.
But unlike the rest of them, you will be joining Ching's Ministry of Culture as an artist.
What? An artist at Ching's Ministry of Culture?
Yes, they accept novices from foreign courts and teach them art.
I have made preparations for you to join them, so make sure you are ready to go.
Your Highness, this is so sudden...
If I am to be a Ching artist, then how long...?
Yes, I have heard that it will take five years to over a decade to complete the course.
I know that it is difficult for a female to go. But this is a rare opportunity.
Go and fulfill your dreams as an artist.
- But Your Highness...! - Do you still not understand what I'm saying?
You must know very well what situation the prince is currently in.
He cannot commit any mistake, even a tiny one.
The late Crown Prince drew His Majesty's fury because he brought in women from outside the palace.
If the prince gets into trouble with His Majesty because of you,
everything he has endured thus far will have been for naught.
I am asking you for this favor. If you care at all for the prince,
if you don't want to be an obstacle in his future, leave quietly.
For your sake and the prince's sake, you must do so.
- Is that really true? - Yes, Your Highness.
Attendant Yi told me herself that Her Highness summoned Song Yeon and told her to go to Ching!
One does not return from Ching before ten years have passed!
This means that that girl is being sent away to Ching forever!
Did you say ten years?
Yes, Your Highness.
This cannot happen! What crime did she commit to be sent away for so long?
- I must speak with Her Highness! - Your Highness!
Song Yeon!
What brings you to the palace? Are you here to complete the Royal Portrait?
Yes, Your Highness.
Has something happened?
- Have you been crying? - No, Your Highness.
What is it? Tell me.
- Your Highness... - Song Yeon!
Your Highness...
Your Highness!
Were you at the palace?
- Yes, Sir. - I received the message from the Ministry of Rites.
They say that Princess Hae Bin specifically asked that you be included.
She must have really liked the folding screen you painted!
Even though it was sudden, this is a great opportunity for you.
Ching's art not only uses its own traditional methods, but they have also incorporated western methods as well.
It will be a great experience for you.
Yes, Sir.
It appears I have spoken for too long. We have no time to delay.
They are leaving tomorrow, so go home and let your family know.
Yes, Sir.
What? You're going with the Special Envoy?
What is going on? You said you weren't going!
They made the decision today.
How could they do this? They told you today that you're leaving tomorrow?
If I had known earlier, we could have gotten you a fur coat! It's freezing there!
- You damned boy! You didn't offer me one! - You and Song Yeon aren't the same!
Besides, she gets cold easily!
If she is to be there for three months, she has to dress warmly!
Dae Su...
I think I'll be there longer than three months.
What?
Why? The Special Envoy is only going for three months.
I'm... I'm joining the Ministry of Culture's Royal Artists.
Ministry of Culture?
It's the Ching version of the Bureau. I'll be learning art there, Dae Su.
Really? So how long will you be there for? Four months?
- No. Longer. - What? Five months?
No. Much longer.
It might be... a few years.
A few years?
- Yes, Uncle. - What do you mean by a few years?
That's impossible! No! Don't go!
- Dae Su... - It's ridiculous!
You can learn art here! Why do you have to spend a few years in Ching to learn it?
Tell them you won't go! Tell them you can't go!
Don't be like that, Dae Su. Do you know what an amazing opportunity this is?
Song Yeon!
You said you wanted me to be Joseon's finest artist.
If I study in Ching, I can really be the finest artist.
So don't be like that. Be happy for me, Dae Su.
This is a happy moment for me. Can't you be happy for me too?
You're too much.
- Dae Su... - Didn't you think about Uncle and me?
Is everything alright as long as you're fine?
Don't you care about us at all?
- Why are you saying that? - Let me go! Did you hear what she said?
That's what she's saying! Fine! Do what you want!
Will a few years be enough?
Why don't you stay there for ten years or twenty years!
Be the finest artist and just live there!
That boy...!
Nephew!
What's wrong? What's the matter?
What? Be happy?
I should be happy for her? Damned girl!
How... how could she do this?
Your Highness...
Your Highness, the princess is here.
Princess!
Were you reading?
No, I was thinking about something.
Thinking about something? Is something troubling you?
No, but something's on my mind.
What brings you here at this hour?
Your Highness, I have something to tell you.
What is it? Tell me.
Princess!
I can't believe it! Why is she throwing away this opportunity to get rid of that girl!
- Your Highness! - Let's go.
What did His Highness say?
Did he say he will stop her from leaving?
Your Highness!
- I didn't tell him. - What?
I didn't say anything to him.
All I needed was to tell him what happened.
But I couldn't.
Come inside and wait for him. He'll be back soon.
Song Yeon, you should be understanding.
I'm so sad, but imagine how he must feel.
But this is too much.
I know, Uncle. I'm really sorry.
But since you say it's a good opportunity for you, so what can we do?
You have to go.
Don't you have to pack if you're leaving tomorrow?
Yes, I have to pack clothing and painting materials from the Bureau.
Alright. Don't worry about Dae Su. Go and get your things.
- I'll go and look for Dae Su at the inn. - Alright, Uncle.
Poor girl.
Song Yeon.
Your Highness...
Why are you here at the Bureau, Your Highness?
Why else? I'm here to see you.
The image of you this afternoon stayed with me.
Why you were crying, and what had happened...
I could have asked you later, but I kept thinking about it.
Your Highness...
What is it? Your eyes are filled with tears even now.
Has something happened?
No, it's nothing, Your Highness.
Why would you cry if it were nothing?
I won't ask you any further if you do not wish to answer.
But next time, please give me a chance.
A chance?
Come to think of it, I have only received from you and Dae Su.
I have never given any comfort to either of you.
Because you two are my friends, I showed you my weak side.
But when you were going through tough times, I was never there by your side.
So give me a chance to comfort you. To be a comfort to you and Dae Su.
Your Highness...
Why are you packing?
I'm taking them home.
- Is that so? - Yes.
This is so worn. Why do you continue using it?
Where is the brush I gave you?
I... I don't want to wear it out...
What?
I thought you were a smart girl, but you are quite silly.
- Stand up. - What?
I said stand up.
Song Yeon, wait a moment.
Yes, Your Highness.
- Leave some distance between us. - Yes, Your Highness.
Let's go.
Do you remember this place?
I walked these streets with you ten years ago.
You drew me a map and came here with me.
There's the butcher and there's the market that's open day and night.
- Do you remember now? - Yes, Your Highness.
Then you must remember that out here you must call me by my name.
It's been a while, so let us practice.
My name is San. Give it a try.
- Your Highness... - You can't call me that out here.
What are you doing? Hurry!
San... San!
It's nice.
Your.... San, San!
Please forgive me, Your Highness! I deserve to die!
No, that's not it.
It's the first time someone other than my parents called me by my name.
It's nice. It's nice to be called by my name.
I cannot find the girl. Find her for me.
Yes, Your Highness!
Welcome!
What is this?
It's a fastener. It prevents one's hat from flying off.
- That one is made out of agate. - Agate?
- Just give me one yang. - One yang?
I'm not making any profit!
I'll take it.
Alright.
Thank you!
I made one yang!
Catch that thief!
Song Yeon, are you alright?
Are you hurt?
It's nothing. I'm fine.
Try and stand up.
- Is it very painful? - I'm alright, Your Highness.
Give me your leg. I heard that ice is the best for a sprain.
- I'll do it, Your Highness. - It's fine. Don't be stubborn.
How naive you are. You haven't changed at all.
It's all swollen! How can you be alright?
When you have recovered, let's take Dae Su and go somewhere for a change of scenery.
What do you think?
Yes, Your Highness. I will speak to Dae Su and have him find out a good place.
Alright. I will wait for you so once you have decided, send me a message.
I hope we can go soon.
Yes, Your Highness.
Look here, Artist Tak, are you going in a long journey?
What do you mean?
I'm excited at the prospect of making money!
I couldn't sleep all last night!
How crude you are!
- Chobi! - I can't believe it!
- Did something happen? - How could people be so awful?
When my relatives heard I was going to Ching, they all told me what they wanted.
They didn't even give me any money! I'm so angry!
How am I supposed to bring all that back?
What is it?
Chobi, we have something to request from Ching too.
- What? - But we'll give you money! Right?
Of course!
You're all scary! I hate you!
You better not go to the brothels in Ching!
I'll just...! I'll kill you and kill myself!
Don't worry! Even if I wanted to, I can't!
- Can I trust you? - You saw it with your own eyes!
Well, you are an honorable man.
When I come back from Ching, let's get married.
- Really? You want to get married? - Yes, let's live together.
If I earn lots of money in Ching, you won't reject me, right?
Darling!
Dae Su!
I'll go.
If you can't come, then I'll go and see you.
Dae Su...
So take care of yourself. And don't skip meals.
Don't make your hands swell because you've been painting all day.
If I see you like that when I go, I'll sling you over my shoulder and bring you back.
Alright, I will.
I always do what you say.
Good.
Did you tell His Highness?
You didn't, right?
Yes.
Wretched girl. How could you do this to me and the prince?
Do you consider us your friends?
You know, Dae Su...
I have a favor to ask.
After a secret investigation, we found that Finance Minister Min Tae Shik and Magistrate Baek Dong-Chul
were involved in bribes from the merchant clans, and was seen visiting the exiled Lord Kim Seung Joon.
Keep a close eye on them.
The more things we find, the more chances we have to defeat them.
Yes, Your Highness.
Did you know that the special envoy to Ching is leaving today?
Yes, I heard they were leaving at the Hour of the Ram (1-3pm).
Aren't you going to see them off?
It'll be difficult. I have a meeting at the same time.
I will be on my way, Mother.
My heart is restless at the thought of your departure.
Don't be too worried. I am taking a step back now so I can take two steps forward later.
When I am there, I will further my relationship with the royal court of the Ching Dynasty.
I will try and gain the Emperor's favor. I will have good news when I return.
Yes, I will put all my faith in you.
Oh, I heard an interesting little tidbit from Attendant Kwak this morning.
Interesting titbit?
That Damo child is to be part of the Special Envoy.
For some strange reason, she is meant to enter Ching's Ministry of Culture.
I heard she's meant to stay about ten years or so, but I don't understand.
According to Sookchun magistrate Lee Joo Hwan,
wanderers in East, North and West Gwan are becoming bandits. What shall we do?
It is a problem that the famine-induced refugees are resorting to banditry.
But this can be easily reduced by opening up our stockhouses and grainhouses.
- Your Majesty, it is I. - Enter.
- Your Majesty, the item you requested has arrived. - Yes, bring it here.
Look at this.
Isn't this a Maehwa?
Yes, a few days ago, I wanted to see a Maehwa and asked an Attendant Damo to paint it for me.
She told me that your reforms enabled her to become an artist at the Bureau.
Do you know that Damo?
Are you referring to Sung Song Yeon?
So you know her. She is talented for her young age.
Yes, Your Majesty. She is too good to be used as an Attendant Damo.
Yes, I agree with you.
I plan on asking her to paint more paintings for me.
Did you deliver my message to the Bureau? I want to see her in about two weeks time.
Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I think that will be difficult.
Difficult? Why so?
That Damo has left for Ching with the Special Envoy today.
Is that so?
That Damo has left for Ching with the Special Envoy today.
- Did you look for me, Your Highness? - Yes, take a seat.
I wanted to ask you something. I heard that Song Yeon left for Ching today.
- Is that true? - Yes, Your Highness.
How strange. I saw her yesterday and she didn't say anything.
She will only be back after three months time. I didn't even get a chance to wish her well.
Your Highness...
Song Yeon won't be back after three months.
What?
She is joining the Ministry of Culture in Ching and will not be back for a long time.
What do you mean by a long time?
She said it may be longer than ten years.
I was coming to see you today on Song Yeon's request.
What is this?
It is a letter from Song Yeon.
By right, government policies should be passed by the Office of the Inspector-General.
But in reality, they are being formed in the Ministry of Personnel. This cannot continue!
This power is being abused by the Ministry of Personnel. I would like to hear His Highness' opinion.
Your Highness...
Forgive me, where were we?
We were discussing the excessive authority wielded by the Ministry of Personnel.
Alright, let us continue.
Yes, Your Highness.
No, I cannot continue. Let us do this another time.
I'm finally going to make lots of money!
Artist Tak, I am finally going to be able to live like I deserve to!
This is great! Song Yeon, isn't this great?
Please forgive me for sending you this farewell in writing,
and not in person, Your Highness.
Even though I'm leaving without bidding you farewell,
the times that I spent with you
were the most precious to me.
Do you remember?
I was alone in the world when I was young.
But you warmly called me your friend.
And the dream that I had buried deep within my heart...
You helped reveal it.
I will become an artist, Your Highness.
As you wished me to be... As I promised you I would be...
I won't give up because of my status, and I won't give up because I'm a female.
The fastener I included in this letter is something I bought for you.
It is my heart. It is made of agate.
Even though it is unworthy to be given to you,
it was created painstakingly by the earth for many many years.
And it will never change even after a thousand years.
I will never forget you, Your Highness.
Even though a thousand years may pass and another thousand,
the times that I spent with you...
I will never forget them.
Please be well, Your Highness.
.... be well.
Main Translator: MrsKorea
Timer and Editor: MrsKorea
Coordinator: mily2
Special thanks to: Suz07
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